Bandung, 27 November 2025 — The Faculty of Administrative Science, Universitas Indonesia (FIA UI), in collaboration with Deakin Lancaster University Indonesia (DLI) and the School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University (ZJU), held an international seminar titled “Revitalising the Spirit of Bandung towards a More Inclusive and Equitable Global Governance” at the DLI campus in Bandung.

The seminar brought together academic and government leaders to reinforce a shared commitment to strengthening global collaboration in education, public policy research, and the development of governance solutions in response to current global challenges—including climate change, political instability, and disruptive technologies.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from cross-national academic leaders, including the Dean of FIA UI, representatives of Zhejiang University, Universitas Indonesia, and Deakin Lancaster University Indonesia, and was attended by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, Australia.

In her opening address, Prof. Retno Kusumastuti Hardjono, M.Si., Dean of FIA UI, delivered an important reflection on the value of international collaboration in shaping the future of public governance.

“International collaboration is not only about academic exchange, but about sharing values, building mutual trust, and advancing knowledge to address global challenges. FIA UI is ready to serve as a strategic bridge connecting universities and governments across countries to realise more inclusive and equitable public governance,” she stated.

The Governor of Victoria continued the remarks by underscoring the significant role of Universitas Indonesia in strengthening the ecosystem of international collaboration in education and public policy development.

“Universitas Indonesia can serve as a strategic partner in bridging academic collaboration between DLI and the Government of Victoria. This partnership opens the door to more impactful research, evidence-based public policy, and a mutually reinforcing higher education ecosystem,” said the Governor of Victoria.

This statement further affirms UI’s position in the landscape of international academic collaboration, especially in fostering cross-border knowledge networks that support global governance grounded in equality, international solidarity, and inclusive development.

The seminar also discussed how countries must strengthen public governance capacity in an increasingly complex global landscape. Speakers highlighted that global challenges—such as technological disruption, economic uncertainty, climate change, political instability, and energy crises—require governments to build more responsive and adaptive public institutions rooted in principles of evidence-based policy.

The discussion emphasised that public policy cannot rely solely on technocratic judgment but must be grounded in scientific research and accurate data to deliver sustainable and tangible benefits for society. The seminar further reaffirmed the vital role of universities in contemporary public governance ecosystems. Higher education institutions were recognised as generators of knowledge, policy analysis, programme evaluation, and bureaucratic talent—positioning them as strategic partners for governments in addressing global challenges.

Speakers concluded that collaboration across countries, universities, and governments is no longer optional but a crucial necessity to achieve inclusive, equitable, and future-proof public governance.